2017 WNBA All-Star starters announced

The WNBA has announced the starters for the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game. Maya Moore and Elene Delle Donne were the top-two vote-getters among fans, with 32,866 and 31,114 respectfully. Seattle’s Sue Bird was named a starter as well, and will be making her 10th All-Star Game appearance, tying her with Tamika Catchings for most in WNBA History.

Also of note, Connecticut’s Jasmine Thomas and Jonquel Jones have been named to their first All-Star Game, along with Atlanta’s Tiffany Hayes.

Eastern Conference Starters:

· Tina Charles, Liberty: A five-time All-Star selection, this marks the third time the 2012 league MVP is an All-Star starter (2011, 2015). She has been an All-Star with both Connecticut and New York.

· Elena Delle Donne, Mystics: In her first season with Washington, the 2015 WNBA MVP earns her fourth All-Star selection, all as a starter. The overall leading vote-getter in 2013 and 2015, she was sidelined by injury for the 2013 and 2014 All-Star Games. Her first three selections were as a member of the Sky.

· Tiffany Hayes, Dream: The first-time All-Star earned the most votes among East guards from all three voting groups. She is averaging career highs of 16.6 points and 4.5 rebounds.

· Jonquel Jones, Sun: Before the season, the 23-year-old from the Bahamas was voted by WNBA general managers as the player most likely to have a breakout year. With 201 rebounds through 17 games, the first-time All-Star is on pace to top Charles’ single-season record for total rebounds (398 in 2010).

· Jasmine Thomas, Sun: A first-time All-Star selection in her seventh season, Thomas previously played for Washington and Atlanta. She is averaging career highs of 15.0 points and 5.2 assists.

Western Conference Starters:

· Sue Bird, Storm: The 10-time All-Star selection was voted to the starting lineup for the eighth time overall and for the first time since 2011. In her most recent All-Star appearances, she was added to the West roster in 2014 as a replacement player and was named as a reserve in 2015. Her first All-Star appearance and starting nod came in her rookie season of 2002.

· Sylvia Fowles, Lynx: The Western Conference Player of the Month in May and June earns her fourth All-Star selection. This marks her third starting nod and first All-Star selection with the Lynx after representing Chicago three times.

· Maya Moore, Lynx: The 2014 WNBA MVP and 2013 Finals MVP is a five-time All-Star selection, all as a starter. She was named 2015 All-Star Game MVP after scoring a record 30 points.

· Candace Parker, Sparks: The two-time WNBA MVP (2008, 2013) and reigning Finals MVP earns her fourth selection, all as starter. After missing the 2011 All-Star Game due to injury, Parker made her All-Star debut in 2013 and scored a then-record 23 points in an MVP performance.

· Diana Taurasi, Mercury: The 2009 regular-season MVP and two-time Finals MVP (2009, 2014) became the WNBA’s career points leader last month. A three-time WNBA champion, Taurasi is an eight-time All-Star selection, all as a starter.